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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Integrated assessment of occupational air quality exposure and safety regulation compliance among petroleum tanker drivers in Warri–Uvwie, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors
Adeyemi Oyeyemi, Otofia, Edafe
Abstract
This study investigated the integrated
assessment of health, safety regulation adherence and air quality exposure
among petroleum tanker drivers in uvwie and Warri environs, Delta State, to
evaluate the link between occupational safety compliance and environmental
exposure in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. Environmental monitoring was
conducted for 14 consecutive days across three tanker parks (Tanker Parks 1–3),
complemented by a structured questionnaire administered to 114 respondents.
Results revealed that fine particulates (PM₀.₅ and PM₁.₀) dominated the air
profile, with mean concentrations ranging from 9.27 to 9.45 µg/m³ for PM₀.₅ and
approximately 5.02 µg/m³ for PM₁.₀, while PM₁₀ averaged 0.20–0.28 µg/m³.
Gaseous pollutants were also prevalent, including CO₂ (443–453 ppm), TVOC
(0.021–0.022 mg/m³), and formaldehyde (0.0019–0.0024 mg/m³). Despite these values
falling within permissible limits, prolonged exposure poses latent health
risks. The weighted Air Quality Index (AQI) values of 3.52, 3.33, and 3.58
across the three sites were classified as Excellent, though this masked
localised exposure differentials. Microclimatic data showed mean temperatures
between 31°C and 36°C, relative humidity of 58–68 %, and noise levels of 61–70
dB(A)—exceeding WHO’s recommended limit of 55 dB(A). Questionnaire analysis
revealed moderate adherence to safety regulations: exposure frequency averaged
2.75 ± 0.26, monitoring frequency 2.20 ± 0.27, and environmental awareness 1.8
± 0.2, indicating suboptimal supervision. Correlation analysis showed strong
positive relationships between CO₂ and exposure frequency (r = 0.88), while
TVOC correlated negatively (r = −0.63), confirming the influence of ventilation
and monitoring on pollutant accumulation. ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests (p
> 0.05) revealed no significant inter-park differences, confirming
environmental and behavioural uniformity. In conclusion, petroleum tanker
operations in Warri and Uvwie expose workers to chronic low-level air
pollutants and physical stressors under consistent but moderate safety
conditions. The study recommends integrated environmental surveillance,
emission control, periodic medical screening, and enhanced regulatory
coordination to reduce cumulative occupational risks.
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Pages:9-17
How to cite this article:
Adeyemi Oyeyemi, Otofia, Edafe "Integrated assessment of occupational air quality exposure and safety regulation compliance among petroleum tanker drivers in Warri–Uvwie, Delta State, Nigeria". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 9-17
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